The classic handscrew clamp is a great choice for your woodworking project.
There are so many helpful options when it comes to clamps for your project. Each clamp has a specific purpose and function that separates it from the others. I’ve researched through the internet and put together a quick summary on handscrew clamp.
What is a handscrew clamp used for? Handscrew clamps can be used for many different applications such as gluing, painting, and assembling objects. These clamps are very ideal for repairing furniture as the jaws could easily be adjusted to hold angled material firmly in place.
Keep reading below to learn more about the handscrew clamp and what it can be used for.
Table of Contents
What Is A Handscrew Clamp?
The handscrew clamp is a large woodworking clamp that is typically made of wood, unlike other clamps that are made of metal. It is a traditional woodworking tool in which the jaws pivot so the handscrew clamp could fasten workpieces at different angles. This clamp is made up of two jaws which are joined by a pair of right and left-handed threaded screws which maintain parallel adjustment of the jaws as their handles are turned in the same direction.
What Is A Handscrew Clamp Used For?
Handscrew clamps can be used for many different applications such as gluing, painting, and assembling objects. These clamps are very ideal for repairing furniture as the jaws could easily be adjusted to hold angled material firmly in place. The handscrew clamps used in construction are generally made of steel which makes them very sturdy and long-lasting.
Since the handscrew clamp is usually made of wood, which is a much softer material than metal, the clamp is typically used to clamp wood as it is less likely to mar or damage the surface of the workpiece. The handscrew clamp also comprises a deep throat so it is a very versatile clamp that can be used for holding either small or large workpieces.
The handscrew clamp is made up of three general parts that come in pairs. It is composed of:
The Jaws: These are the parts that actually hold on to the workpiece and keep it securely in place. The handscrew clamp has two jaws that stand horizontally and parallel to each other. They are usually made of wood and slide up and down with the help of the screws to clamp the workpiece. Because the jaws are made of soft material like wood, they have little chance of distorting the shape of the workpiece that is clamped. It is also quite easy to adjust the angle and position of the jaws so it can fit odd-shaped workpieces and non-parallel surfaces.
The Screws: A handscrew clamp has two screws that are responsible for the movement of the jaws. These screws are normally made of metal and either tighten or loosen the jaws when they are rotated. Due to its double screw structure, the jaws of the clamp can easily be angled or offset so they can be used to clamp irregularly shaped or tapered workpieces. The screws run through both of the jaws so the jaws are connected through them. They run vertically and are therefore perpendicular to the jaws.
The Handles: The handscrew clamp also consists of two handles that are each connected to a screw. The handles are usually made of wood so the user can find it easy to grip and hold on to it. If the shape of the workpiece is irregular or tapered, the jaws would need to be angled or offset so only one of the two handles would need to be used at a time.
For example, if the front handle is loosened, the jaws will be angled outwards while the jaws would be angled inwards if the back handle is loosened. The double handle and double screw design also allow pressure to be applied from both sides of the clamp by the user so the clamping force is distributed along the workpiece in an even manner.
Handscrew Clamp Advantages
The handscrew clamp is quite an invaluable tool in the workshop. Its deep reach makes it perfect for use when clamping a workpiece to a bench. It also seems to provide an extra hand for safely machining small parts. And because the jaws of the handscrew can be angled, the handscrew clamp is ideal for clamping workpieces that do not have parallel faces.
Handscrew clamps perform several tasks that other clamps can not. This clamp is extremely versatile and efficient. The wooden jaws of the clamp are very safe to use as they can not mar the surface of the workpiece.
The jaws also provide an even clamping pressure all through the workpiece and because of this, they prevent the workpiece from slipping or twisting out of its shape and alignment. The handscrew clamp could serve as an almost indispensable tool for the user.
Best Handscrew Clamps
How To Use A Handscrew Clamp.
To use a handscrew clamp, you must first open the jaws of the clamp wide enough so the workpiece would be able to easily slide into it. You should keep the jaws parallel as you place the work in between the jaws. You should use soft leather to protect highly polished surfaces while clamping.
Tighten the screws while still making sure the jaws are parallel to one another. The screws should be tightened until they fit firmly on the workpiece. Make sure the jaws remain parallel to the edges of the work while it is being clamped to prevent any form of slipping or distortion.
Handscrew clamps serve important purposes for both DIYers and professionals as they are very strong and sturdy fastening devices. Once the screws are in position, it takes a lot of force to loosen them so it prevents any accidental slipping of the workpiece from the jaws of the clamp.
The handscrew clamps are also quite portable so they can be carried around and used in any environment the user wants to use it in. Its versatility is without question as it could be used to hold small parts together as well as big workpieces. They are very easy to torque down.
When using the handscrew clamp, it is important to keep the jaws parallel so it is advisable to keep the jaws closed when you are finished with it. That way, when you want to use it next time, the jaws would already be in a parallel position. You should also first tighten the front screw of the clamp before the back screw so the parallel position can be maintained. And because the glue from the assembly parts sometimes oozes out and dries on the face of the clamp, you should apply a coat of wax to the face of each jaw of your clamps to prevent the buildup of glue.
Glue buildup could lead to the surface of the workpiece becoming marred. If the handscrew clamp is metal, a light coat of wax will also help prevent rust from forming and discoloring the surface of the workpiece. You should also lightly oil the screws in a handscrew clamp so they would continue to move smoothly and without rust.
